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| When do you use x-rays and are they harmful? |
| We use x-rays to diagnose dental disease between the teeth and to look for misplaced, extra or missing teeth. X-rays are not harmful, with the use of digital radiography and collimators, the amount of exposure is reduced. Children who are not at risk for numerous cavities will have x-rays annually. In fact most people are exposed to more radiation on a daily basis from the sun and cell phones. |
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| What is Waterlase Dentistry®? |
| Waterlase Dentistry uses a patented combination of laser energy and water to perform a wide range of dental procedures on teeth, gums and bone more comfortably. Waterlase Dentists typically use fewer shots and less anesthesia to provide a more comfortable dental experience. |
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| How can I prevent my child from getting cavities? |
| Cavities can't be prevented in some cases due to enamel defects and hereditary predisposition. But your child's chances of getting a cavity can be decreased by reducing sugar intake (fruit juices, carbohydrates) and regular visits to the dentist. You may also apply a topical fluoride, which may be purchased over the counter (ACT) or by prescription. |
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| What is baby bottle tooth decay? |
| Baby bottle tooth decay or nursing bottle caries occurs when a baby is allowed to fed throughout the night from a bottle, sippy cup or breast. The upper front teeth are usually the only teeth affected. The lower teeth are usually spared because of protection from the tongue. This type of decay process can be prevented by placing only water in the bottle/sippy cup or cleaning the mouth after breast feeding. |
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| What's the best toothpaste for my child? |
| The best toothpaste for your child is any toothpaste that is ADA approved and has fluoride. Any child three years of age or under should use a training toothpaste or cleansing gel, which contain no fluoride. Younger children can't adequately spit and may ingest fluoride which is harmful over a period of time. |
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| Should my child drink only bottled water? |
| Your child doesn't have to drink just bottled water. In fact it's best if they don't, because most bottled water doesn't contain fluoride, which is important for developing teeth. However, if you cook with tap water your child should receive adequate fluoride in their blood stream. |
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| Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful to my child's teeth? |
| Thumb sucking and pacifier habits are not harmful if they are discontinued before the permanent teeth erupt. The reason for this is growth. A lot of the damage that occurs will self correct during growth. However, if the habit continues after the eruption of permanent teeth, there may be skeletal discrepancies (open bite, cross bite). |
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| First Aid for Dental Emergencies |
| Toothache |
| Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see Dr. McAnthony as soon as possible. |
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| Broken Tooth |
| Rinse the dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compress over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. See Dr. McAnthony immediately. |
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| Knocked Out Permanent Tooth |
| Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See Dr. McAnthony IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. |
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| Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek |
| Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is any bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room. |
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Other Emergency Conditions:
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- Possible Broken Jaw:
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief, and then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out:
Fold and pack clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see Dr. McAnthony.
- Cold/Canker Sores:
Many children occasionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores. Usually over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to see Dr. McAnthony if these sores persist.
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Bridget McAnthony, D.D.S.
Dentistry for Children |
